Hi guys! Sorry about the long delay, but I had some real trouble getting everything right for this chapter. There's a lot going on, and capturing every nuance for the next part of this arc is absolutely essential. Believe me, this isn't the end. There's gonna be one more chapter or so, and then we get a whole new story which continues with this particular story and New Decisions in mind. Now, let me get to the responses. If you've been reading Lena's and my other story Weekend Detention, you know the drill. Responses to all the kind reviews, and then we get to the story. *g*

SweetCandie – Sorry you thought the last part was a tease chapter, but it really was important in light of what happens next.  If I don't set the scene, it would just be way too confusing. But don't worry, there's enough Pegasus in this part for all us fangirls.

SetoKaiba419 – Hey there! Well, of course he seems cold in this fic – I mean, he is dealing with the man who kidnapped his baby brother, tried to take over KaibaCorp, and (arguably worst of all *avoids Seto fangirl wrath*) beat him in a duel! Don't worry, though. Lena's my beta reader so she won't let me make Kaiba too bad for too long. Hehehe…

Sakuya – Hmm.. he might spray them with a fire hose or something. Hehe… now that'd be funny! Maybe I should do an outtakes chapter for this story, just for laughs. Would anyone be interested? *eg*

CKthePhantomess – Aww…don't feel guilty, gal! I haven't updated in a while anyway, so you had plenty of time to catch up. I'm glad you like the Mai/Pegasus pairing – I think they go great together too, and I'm usually a slash-aholic so that's really saying something! *g* Personally I think Pegasus could go with Kaiba too, but I can't think of a good way to set them up. There's just so much tension between them though – that's always good material for yaoi! *g* Yeah,I'm twisted. I'm having fun with the Mai/Pegasus pairing, though. I've got about a billion different ideas of where to go after this chapter, which was why it took so long to update. And evil Kaiba is *always* fun!

And without further adieu, let's raise the curtain and get this show on the road! Hope you enjoy, and don't forget to drop me a review. I always appreciate thoughtful readers. =)

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Part Ten:

He held her tightly, the feel of her hair so soft and familiar beneath his fingertips. He opened his eye a little, watching the play of light and shadow upon the golden hair. The darkness was falling rapidly, and in the dim light, he could almost imagine that Cecelia was –

With a low growl Pegasus pushed Mai away, turning from her before she could see the surge of emotion that threatened to overwhelm him. He held out a hand, motioning for her to stay back, but the woman ignored his gesture. To his horror, she began clutching his fingers and kissing them, sucking with her wet mouth in the brief moment before he snatched his hand from her grip. "Oh you stupid, foolish woman. Don't touch me!"

Mai blinked, watching the rapid rise and fall of his shoulders and listening to the shaky breaths he expelled into the dense air. "C'mon, you don't mean that. Who's gonna know?"

"I will." He still wouldn't look at her, his long silver hair had fallen into his face, obscuring her vision even more. She took a step forward but stopped when he lifted his face to glare at her from beneath the silvery curtain. "Stop. Just quit it. Can't you take no for an answer?"

"You were pretty into it a moment ago."

"That was then and this is now."

He glared at her more fiercely, straightening and adjusting his lacy shirt with an air of frivolity. He almost seemed to be gathering strength from the effect his words had, as Mai wrapped her arms around herself. She was amazed at how painful his words had been, and how much they had affected her. Then she shook herself, dropping her hands to a comfortable position on her hips as she struck a more aggressive pose. She would not show such weakness to any man, especially Pegasus. "You've got real problems, you know that?"

"I've got problems? You're the one throwing yourself at me!" He looked her up and down distastefully. "How could you ever think that I would want . . ." He shook his head, low laughter rumbling in his throat. "Need I really describe you, Miss Valentine? You know how pathetic this makes you look." Pegasus smiled, but it was a false, plastic expression. He was attracted to her, how could he not be attracted? She was for all intents and purposes the double of his deceased wife.

Cecilia and Mai could have been twins, the similarity was so perfect. He was grateful for the failing light, though Mai still resembled his departed beloved without illumination. In the deepening shadow, gazing upon her form, he fancied that the two had even felt the same in his arms -- the same height, the same weight, the same tender flesh beneath her clothes. Were she to stand naked before him, he wondered if every curve, every plane, every line would be the same as the ones he'd painted over and over and over again, never quite getting it right in his quest to capture such beauty in the undying realm of paint and canvas. He shoved his hands into his pockets roughly, distrustful of them as he realized he'd long ago memorized the shape of that body, the feel of every contour. A fleeting image danced across his memory: he and Cecelia in a forested cabin, the paintings drying in the bedroom as the fireplace, unnecessary in the spring, popped and sputtered away its own life. The room was awash in warm orange light, and Cecelia moaned beneath him as he paused his ministrations to pull the blanket up higher, covering them both as her legs twined around his waist.

Pegasus closed his eye, turning away so the torrent of memories might cease. He felt himself wavering from his purpose, and vowed to never again cross paths with Mai Valentine. She made him think of things he'd fought so long to hold back. He was, in fact, only a man. It was terribly hard to remain loyal to the only woman he'd ever loved when she was no longer around to comfort, hold his hand, or just smile. He shook his head violently and stumbled backward as the emotion threatened to crash down all around and drown him. "Just leave me alone."

But Mai would have nothing of it. If she was anything, she was a proud woman, determined to get what she wanted and to do as she pleased. The guy was an emotional wreck, but she wouldn't be cast aside so easily. She'd had plenty of men in her time, and she considered herself a good judge of male behavior. Though his words stung, she knew that she was as far from pathetic as a woman could be. His insults only fueled her desire for him, to prove him wrong and to vindicate herself. "No. You're gonna talk to me right here. You're an asshole, and I'm not sure if I want to screw you or kill you, but I need to know what the hell is going on. What's the mater with you! You run hot and cold so fast I can't tell what's on your mind. Are you bipolar or something?"

Pegasus made a revolted expression at her language and stepped back, balling his fists and standing at his full height so she had to look slightly upward to meet his gaze. "I am not crazy!"

"I didn't call you crazy, I called you bipolar!"

"Alright, that's it! I've had it! How many times do I have to tell you to get lost? In how many languages would you like to hear it before I strangle you!"

Mai grinned, tossing her blonde hair over her shoulder. If he was already getting angry then she knew she was on the right track. She'd have the guy cracked open and fixed up easily once he just let all that pent up rage out. If she'd learned anything from men like Pegasus, it was that emotional repression did no good. She regarded him as he stood defensively backed into a corner and shook her head. The skinny bastard thought he could lay a hand on her? It almost made her laugh. "I guarantee I'd strangle you first."

Mai might have made more headway had fate not chosen that exact moment to intervene. Her smile faded quickly, as the light Pegasus had affixed to the metal wall began to go out. It flared brightly at the last, illuminating the two as they stared each other up and down, then going out all together. She'd forgotten her claustrophobia in the emotional uproar and the triumphant feeling of finally understanding the source of all the trouble with Pegasus, but with darkness came the trapped feeling. She felt her throat constrict, and wondered if Pegasus had ever found that replacement light. When she tried to ask him, though, all she could manage was a whimper.

In the pitch-black, she heard him sigh. "I knew I should have packed the plastic explosives."

Mai swallowed, wishing her throat would loosen up. A cool drink of water would help, but even that small request was a luxury. Already the darkness was a palpable thing, and she almost felt it physically pressing against her. "I can't take this, Pegasus."

"Me neither."

"Well," she cast her arms straight out in the direction she remembered he'd been standing before the light had died. "Where are you?"

There was silence for a moment, then his low voice wafted toward her. "I'm . . . well, I'm right here I suppose, though here and there are rather relative. There aren't many places to hide after all, and landmarks seem to have been rendered a moot point."

"Oh shut up. You just talk and talk about nothing at all." Like a drowning woman she followed any sound he made until she felt something solid, and clutched the silky fabric of his shirt desperately. "So there you are!"

"Yes, that's me." He chuckled. "If it were someone else, I think we'd both have cause to worry."

"You'd be better company if you'd just learn to shut your trap."

"Hmm… you're one to talk."

Mai felt him tentatively run a hand through her hair, his touch almost too light for her to feel. Smiling in the dark, she nuzzled against his bony chest. She'd expected him to feel thin and malnourished, but he was actually quite nice up close. She ran a hand across his chest and pressed her lips to the hollow at the base of his throat. "Don't be afraid."

Pegasus sighed, his hand dropping away. He resigned himself to hold her, though very loosely, ready to disentangle himself at any moment. He'd not been so close to anyone in a long time, and despite the awful nagging thought that he was betraying his dearly departed wife, the feeling of her curvaceous body against him was undeniably comforting. The movement of her lips against his throat roused something long dormant within him, and he felt his skin tingle al over. He sighed into her hair, "You're the one with claustrophobia." He ruffled her hair a little, absently playing with the curls. "Mai the Malevolent Nuzzler, that's what you are." He laughed a little. "Just try not to think about where we are. Someone will come for us eventually. That Kaiba-boy does have appallingly good security…"

"I'm not talking about the dark."

Silence was his response, but then he resigned to tighten his grip on her waist. "You should be."

"Who are you to tell me what I should and shouldn't do?" His response was lost in the sudden clang, as the elevator doors slid open neatly. Harsh electric light poured into the room, blinding them both as a strange clicking sound was heard repeating itself over and over, often overlapping. Mai clutched Pegasus fiercely. "What is it?" She held her hand up to shield her eyes, but it did no good.

Pegasus moved backward, trying to pull away, but Mai clutched him all the tighter. He sighed, unable to compete against the cruel light. Already his eye hurt – he'd had over an hour to adjust to near darkness. Bright light was impossibly painful. "Mai –"

But then a deep familiar voice resounded all around them, the triumph clear despite the blinding light. "I wanted revenge, Pegasus, but I never imagined you'd deliver yourself here to receive it."

"I don't know if deliver is the right word, Kaiba." Pegasus sighed, and pulled away from Mai, adjusting his collar. He felt helpless without his coat, his tricks, and of course he'd been caught with Mai. How embarrassing. He could only imagine how the scene had appeared to everyone else. In all the years since Cecelia's death, he'd never even been close to another person, let alone in such a compromising situation. He rubbed his good eye wearily. "My but you're testy today."

He bent to retrieve his coats, but an unfamiliar, booming voice stopped him. "FREEZE! Stop or we open fire!"

Pegasus stood again, managing to remain composed despite his surprise. He could see better as his vision adjusted to the light, and everywhere armed men stood, their weapons trained on him eagerly. Kaiba grinned, striding forward to stand at the head of the guards like the proud leader of a demented marching band. "Put your hands in the air and step forward slowly." Behind him cowered Kaiba's younger brother, the boy's blue eyes wide with fear. He was shaking as he held tight to his older sibling, and the older boy was holding his hand in an attempt at comfort.

Pegasus sighed and moved to comply, but Mai grabbed him. "You can't just walk out there! He'll shoot you!"

"I don't think I have any other option." He managed a wry smile and peeled Mai's arms from around his waist. "I'm really very sorry for the inconvenience I've cause you, Mai." Then with a sigh he raised his arms and moved forward into the glaring light.

As soon as Pegasus did so, the guards grabbed him roughly, nearly lifting him from the floor as they dragged him away. He glanced back and saw the expression of outrage on Mai's face, then turned away, trying to ignore the pull in his gut. He had more important things to worry about than his feelings for the busty blonde. He felt a multitude of eyes upon him, and the barefoot Master of Illusions was beyond humiliated as he was forcibly dragged through the crowd. He tried to remain dignified the entire time, a smug expression plastered on his face, but his haphazard appearance and the rough manner in which he was handled undermined the act. Everything seemed a blur suddenly, and he willed himself not to reveal any sign of weakness to his enemies. Compared to the tall men in suits that sported weapons, Maximillion Pegasus seemed a very minor threat.

The guards brought him to Kaiba, restraining the silver-haired man with nearly enough force to snap the bones of his arms. He bit back the pain-filled groan which threatened to escape his lips and managed a cocky smile instead as he closed his visible eye. "I suppose turnabout is fair play, Kaiba-boy, but really do you have to be so crude? Can't you think of a better way to catch me than the old restrained-by-armed-gunmen routine?"

Kaiba ignored him, leaning in close and stretching a hand forward toward the left side of his captive's face. Pegasus sucked in a harsh breath, trying to move away despite the firm grip of his captors. He wasn't accustomed to being touched, especially against his will, and as Kaiba's hand moved closer Pegasus had a definite idea of what the Duel Monsters Champion had in mind. "Don't," he muttered as Kaiba took uncaring hold of the silver hair, pulling it aside to reveal the gaping empty eye socket. Pegasus heard the gasps of onlookers all around, as the years of careful concealment were shattered. For years, he'd carefully concealed the left side of his face, the Millennium Eye which Shadi had so crudely used to replace the living orb which had once been there. Few people knew that Maximillion Pegasus was missing an eye, and even fewer knew that the replacement was a golden item of unfathomable ancient power. Pegasus tried to pull away, jerking backward, but the guards only increased the pressure on his arms, making him wince in pain. There was no escape, and as a few flashbulbs captured the scene, Pegasus slumped his shoulders in defeat. Not for the first time that day, he wished he'd never thought to break into the Battle City Tournament. From her place at the elevator, Mai cringed. She remembered breaking the sunglasses which had helped him conceal the disfigurement, and now she felt like a complete ass.

Kaiba nodded as though confirming some great truth. "I thought so. Yugi said you were missing the Millennium Eye, though I didn't entirely believe him until now." The imposing head of KaibaCorp smiled, snickering a little under his breath as he tightened the grip on the hair, yanking Pegasus forward. The older man was too proud to give his captor the benefit of a pleading cry, but he did wince in pain, making Kaiba grin sadistically. "You have a great deal to pay for, Pegasus, and now you're helpless without your little toy. How does it feel to be in the receiving end for once? After all you put Mokuba and I through, you deserve anything I can throw at you."

Pegasus smirked, glancing at Mokuba with a purely malicious enough expression to make the child cringe. "Obviously what I put you through wasn't enough, you arrogant –"

But his insult was cut off sharply by a sudden blow. Pegasus made a soft cry as the hard right cross connected to his left cheek just below the vacant eye socket. Tiny pinpoints of light flared up in his vision as his most vulnerable spot was exploited. Never in his life had he actually been struck by anyone, and the shock of physical pain sent him reeling. He moaned huskily, slumping forward as Kaiba released the silver strands of hair. Mokuba gasped and stepped away from his older brother in surprise. "Seto, what are you doing?!"

But Kaiba ignored him, glaring instead at Pegasus with an expression of pure hatred. "You bastard, I'll make you pay for everything you've ever done to us. For all the pain you've inflicted on Mokuba and me without a thought. After stealing our souls, after all the hell I went through just to be beaten in your stupid game, its my turn to laugh at your expense. You're in my world now, Pegasus, and before long you'll wish you'd never trifled with me!"

"Kaiba!" From the place where he was held, Yugi stared in absolute shock at the scene which played itself out before him. He'd never seen Kaiba be so cruel, and a knot of fear began to build in his mind. Though Yami rebelled against the sympathy, Yugi couldn't fight against his naturally compassionate disposition. Yet there was more than mere kindness which drove Yugi to speak up on the behalf of his old enemy. He felt the Millennium Eye in his pocket. It had grown suddenly hot when Pegasus had taken a punch to the face, and now it felt heavy enough to tear open the boy's pocket. "Pegasus, are you alright?"

The silver-haired man said nothing, and kept his head bent low allowing the silver hair to obscure his face. The most he'd ever been wounded had been the removal of his left eye, never had he been the type to get involved in a fistfight or the like. Tears had sprung up in his eye at the blow, and he cringed in shame, sagging in the grip of the guards that held him.

Then a feminine voice broke the harsh atmosphere. "You're really in a shitty mood, aren't you?" Yugi looked up to see Mai extracting herself from the elevator. For all intents and purposes she was calm and collected, but Yugi had known her for a while now. He could see the worry and fear which hovered in her eyes. Even barefoot with her blonde hair mussed, Mai managed to exert a reasonable aura of control. She straightened her skirt and batted her eyes, hoping the even the infamous Seto Kaiba would fall for her feminine wiles. "Can't you just leave the poor guy alone? We've been in there for hours. I for one am dead tired, and I'm sure he's just as exhausted. Can we talk about this tomorrow maybe?"

Kaiba ignored the blonde woman as he stepped back triumphantly from his captive. He nodded to the guards. "Take him as planned. I have much in store for him." He leveled a glare at his helpless enemy. "We'll see how you like imprisonment."

Pegasus was held by two guards while a third followed with a weapon at the ready. It was a strange procession – anyone who didn't recognize Pegasus would have questioned the legitimacy of mistreating such a sweet young man. However, in Battle City everyone knew of Maximillion Pegasus. Duelists parted hesitantly as the creator of their treasured game was unceremoniously dragged down the hall, his head hung against the furtive whispering. As he was carried away, Mai tried to rush forward, but the security guards swiftly restrained her. "Get your paws off me! Come on, Kaiba, let him go. He didn't hurt anyone." He'd seemed so strong and self-assured in the elevator, and the sight of him wounded and suffering pulled at her somehow. She struggled but the guards held her firmly, grinning at her helpless fury.

Kaiba only glared at her. "That's only because I didn't give him the chance. If you think he's harmless, you're a fool. This isn't a pleasure visit. He broke into this building. That tells me he had malicious intent, and for that I am locking him away."

Mai glowered right back at him. "That's no reason to use him as a punching bag. There's more to it than that and you know it!" She glanced in the direction he'd been carried, and her eyes widened when she saw the other, much shorter prisoner. "Huh? Why are you holding Yugi?" It was one thing to punish Pegasus for the shitty things he'd done, but Mai had become protective of Yugi as much as the rest of his friends. She resumed her struggling all the harder to no avail. "Is this just some sadistic game to you? Yugi hasn't got anything to do with this!" Seto narrowed his eyes, his gaze boring into the older woman until she had no choice but to turn away. There was just something about the intensity of his eyes that gave her chills.

"I have my reasons. Now," he nodded and Yugi was brought closer. Yugi could feel his Yami rattling about in his mind, desperately trying to help the boy free himself. ::Yugi, the Millennium Eye is growing heavier. It is literally pulling Kaiba forward. You mustn't let him have it!::

Yugi began to struggle, but despite his valiant efforts he was still just an undersized teenager and certainly no match for the mountainous security guards that towered over him. The heat of the Eye was burning his leg, and he wondered how it could possess such power without Pegasus to control it. He looked up as a shadow fell across him, and noticed the distanced haze in Kaiba's eyes. Yugi wondered if the other boy even knew what was happening. Seto's expression became even more serious as he slipped a hand into the shorter boy's pockets.  Yugi made an objecting sound, but Kaiba had already closed his fingers about his prize despite the intense struggle Yugi tried to put up. Kaiba lifted the Millennium Eye and nodded. "Thanks for your help, Yugi, but I can't trust you to carry this. You seem sympathetic to my prisoner, and while I don't understand why anyone would ever feel sorry for Pegasus, I can't have you endangering me or my brother."

He waved his hand and Yugi was immediately released. He then addressed the armed men directly, his eyes narrowed in a no nonsense attitude that permitted no disobedience. "Make sure Yugi Moto and Mai Valentine are safely returned to their rooms." He looked at Mai with obvious disgust. Everyone had seen her cuddled up against Pegasus, and for Seto Kaiba, anyone who associated with Pegasus in any way was a potential enemy. Even Duke Devlin had been banned from the tournament for his association with the eccentric kidnapper. "I want no more mention of this."

The cluster of guards nodded, their leader stepping forward. "Yes sir."

Then, with a curt apologetic nod to Yugi, the eldest Kaiba turned with a flourish of his white trench coat and strode down the hall in the direction Pegasus had passed only moments before.